What should you expect if you are plus-size and pregnant?

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According to Mayo Clinic, being overweight or obese during pregnancy increases the risk of several conditions, including gestational diabetes, thrombosis, overdue pregnancy, labor problems and miscarriage. The March of Dimes classifies women with a body mass index of between 25.0 and 29.9 as overweight and those with a BMI of 30.0 and above as obese. These numbers represent 66 percent and 25 percent of American women of childbearing age, respectively.

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Despite the increased risks of being overweight or obese, it is still possible to have a healthy and happy pregnancy. Fit Pregnancy states that overweight women have a greater store of nutrients to provide for the developing baby, so weight-gain guidelines should be adjusted. Paula Bernstein, M.D., OB-GYN in Los Angeles notes that in the past, women were told to gain 25 to 35 pounds during the course of their pregnancies, but as of 2014, the recommended weight gain for women who are overweight or obese is 15 to 25 pounds.

To minimize risks of complications, Parenting magazine advises expectant moms to focus on healthy eating habits and light, consistent exercise. WebMD recommends eating only about 300 extra calories per day, a far cry from "eating for two," as well as adding healthy, calorie-rich extras to your daily meals, such as butter, gravy, cream cheese and peanut butter.